Fredericksburg Mayor Jeryl Hoover revealed that city officials had been planning for the total solar eclipse on April 8 for up to two years, anticipating a massive increase in visitors. The town, known for its appeal to tourists, expected a surge of people coming to witness the celestial event. However, Hoover admitted that their projections were too high, although the city still managed to perform well despite this overestimation.
The small town, with a population of approximately 12,000, had estimated an additional 100,000 visitors for the eclipse. In actuality, the number of visitors was around 29,500. While this figure was lower than anticipated, Hoover noted that the city was pleased with the outcome, particularly as there were minimal issues with emergency services, traffic accidents, or disorderly conduct.
Fredericksburg Welcomes 29,500 Eclipse Visitors Boosting Economy with 268% Restaurant Sales Surge Despite OverestimationsMatt Patton, an economist from AngelouEconomics, suggested that weather conditions likely influenced the turnout. He explained that adverse weather, such as rain or clouds, can discourage people from attending events, especially one that relies on clear skies for viewing. This could have contributed to a lower turnout than initially expected.
Despite the weather-related challenges, Patton acknowledged the positive economic impact of the event. He highlighted that attracting out-of-state visitors led to increased spending in Fredericksburg, which would otherwise be directed to other states like Oklahoma, Arkansas, or Kansas. The influx of visitors provided a valuable boost to the local economy.
Mayor Hoover confirmed that Fredericksburg’s economy benefited significantly from the eclipse. Restaurant sales saw a dramatic 268% increase, which provided a substantial boost to local businesses. This financial uplift was particularly beneficial for the town’s economy during the spring, supporting business owners and enhancing the city’s economic performance.